Reverend Stephen Stahley is a married Catholic priest who currently resides in Ranson, West Virginia (near Harpers Ferry). He officiates weddings for couples who are seeking a ceremony that embodies the sacred and transcendent dimension of our common human experience. While Rev. Stahley is comfortable using the Catholic format for the wedding ceremony, his highest priority is working with each couple to structure a service that reflects their aspirations and goals for the wedding ceremony. Rev. Stahley prides himself on respecting and honoring all couples, including those in the LGBT community. He is happy to devote the time and energy that is needed by each couple to plan a wedding ceremony that is joyful and sacred, and as beautiful and stress-free as possible. Rev. Stahley has performed weddings at both indoor and outdoor venues across the nation.
Experience
Rev. Stephen Stahley was ordained a Catholic priest in 1978 as a member of a religious order, the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. He served parishes in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. In 1988, Rev. Stahley resigned from the active priesthood and married his wife, Lisa. They have two children who are now in their mid-twenties. After a long career with the Montgomery County (Maryland) Government, Rev. Stahley retired from public service and now devotes himself to a wide range of ministerial duties. In 2003, at the request of his large, extended, Irish Catholic family in Philadelphia, Rev. Stahley affiliated with an organization of married priests--CITI Ministries, Inc. (Celibacy Is The Issue)--in order to officiate family weddings. His affiliation with CITI Ministries quickly led to other wedding requests and over the past 16 years, Rev. Stahley has officiated at over 200 weddings in Maryland and nine other states and Washington, DC. Rev. Stahley is also involved in other ministries including hospice work, visiting the sick, conducting funerals, counseling, and celebrating Mass for an LGBT community in Washington, DC.
Services Offered While Reverend Stahley specializes in Catholic-themed weddings, he has officiated at a wide range of religious, non-religious and interfaith wedding ceremonies. Additionally, he has performed civil unions and vow renewals. While many couples prefer to go with established vow and ring formats, Rev. Stahley is happy to work with couples who want to write their own vows and/or add their own special elements to the wedding ceremony. His ceremony package includes a rehearsal to ensure your wedding service is beautiful and perfect. If you are affiliated with a specific religion, Reverend Stahley will be glad to work with you in developing a ceremony that reflects the beauty and significance of your tradition. Since 2003, Rev. Stahley has performed weddings which have included members of the following traditions:
Shannon & Brendan 2019Rev. Stephen StahleyJulie & StewartMike & Hope light the unity candle 2014Robbie & Chris exchange ringsHaley and Jack 2019, MarylandMare & Matt 2012 in DCLauren and Dan 2016Shannon & Brendan, Easton MDKara & Dan 2018 in MDMeaghan & Seamus, Oct 2018Shannon & Brendan 2019Dave & Daphne in 2014 MarylandKatyana & Paul exchange vows 2014 FloridaSummer & Andrew 2018 BaltimoreAdrienne & Rob August 2019Officiating for Bill and Charlene in 2004 VirginiaRev. Stephen StahleyWith my nephew Ian 2015Joe and Melissa 2006Cathy & Adam 2005 in MDBlessing Shannon & Brendan Ochoo and Marc 2016Nadine and Alfred in 2015 PennsylvaniaMarried priests of MDO'Neill family with TerryBlessing Terry & Dave 1997Blessing Robbie & Chris Robbie Jean & Chris June 2019Melissa & Joe 2005 MarylandJen and Ron's wedding on the beach at Ocean City, NJ in 2012Jim & Diane in 2006Walking with Mike 2014Chris & Lauren 2007Katyana & Paul 2014Jess and Chris 2012Bill and Amy 2015Blessing Summer & AndrewSusan & Karen 2014 in MDChirag and Misty, Nov. 2018Kara & Tyler 2019 MarylandChris & Jake in MD 2014Cathy and Adam in 2005 MarylandAt Kara & Dan's in 2018Jillian & Ian 2015Stacie Ann & Barrett 2005 MarylandSusan & Karen's wedding May 2014 MarylandOdile & Tom take their vows in 2011Marc & Ochoo Sept 2016 MarylandTerry & Dave August '97Paul & KatyanaJulie & Stewart in Sept. 2014Ron & Jen 2012 OC New JerseyEugene and Chris 2005 MarylandDan you may kiss your bride!Shannon & Brendan 2019Rev. Stephen StahleyJulie & Stewart
My family is very Catholic and as most Catholics know you can't get married outside and have it be viewed as legitimate in the Catholic church. I knew I wanted to get married outside but still have elements of a Catholic wedding / a priest do it. I also wanted it to be about 30 minutes instead of a full 60 minute mass :) Father Stephen Stahley became my answer to all of the above - but little did I know he would be SO much more. We had phone calls with a few priests and I knew immediately that Father Stephen was the one for us. He sent me an entire packet in the mail full of example ceremony structures, readings, etc. before we even decided to work with him! It was so extremely thorough and thoughtful and so symbolic of the way he continued to work with us. He is a part of CITI ministries and truly loves officiating weddings and getting to know couples. He is such a kind, warm soul and is so extremely thoughtful. Father Stephen met with my fiance and I multiple times before our wedding to get to know us. We had multiple coffee hangouts and light lunch chats. We even got to see him perform mass for Dignity (Washington DC's LGBTQA community) and at the mass they awarded him with an honor because of how much they love him. It was so truly moving. By the time our wedding came around - he knew so much about my fiance and I that it was like having a true friend marry us. He sent us so many sweet emails the year leading up to our wedding just checking-in, wishing us the best, praying for us, saying hello, etc. He also sent us a modern day Bible that translates the word into modern day meaning as a gift before our big day. He listened to all of our requests for our ceremony and included them all. My family LOVED him. I was pretty nervous about the idea of walking down the aisle and saying our vows in front of hundreds of people but one thing I will always remember is when I got up to the top of the aisle Father Stephen looked at me and he smiled and whispered "breathe". It allowed me to take a breath and really be present in the moment. He made our ceremony the perfect mixture of modern day elements and Catholicism. It was also done in 30 minutes flat which my guests were pumped about since it was so humid outside :) Father Stephen also said a beautiful blessing before our reception as well. If you want someone who truly cares about you as a couple - I can't recommend Father Stephen enough. I know that he is someone who will continue to be in my husband and my lives/hearts for the rest of our marriage. Thank you again for everything, Father Stephen :)
Sent on 10/15/2019
Rev. Stephen Stahley's reply:
Shannon, For the privilege of officiating your wedding and the wonderful friendship that grew over the year leading up to it, I'll be eternally grateful. Meeting your family, Brendan's family, and your good friends and sharing that time with them made me feel like a part of the family. The blessings that flowed from your celebration will keep reverberating for me as I go forward. With love and prayers, Stephen
Katie Hartzell
· Married on 09/21/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Absolutely perfect!
Rev. Stahley was wonderful to work with. He took the time to keep us at ease during the ceremony as well as helping us prepare for the big day. I can't imagine any way the ceremony any other way! He kept it light with some humor to ease the nerves and everyone was loved the way he made it all feel effortless. Thank-you for everything!
Photo credit: Roman Grinev Photography http://www.romangrinev.com/
Sent on 11/12/2019
Rev. Stephen Stahley's reply:
Katie & Christopher, Thanks so much for your kind and very generous review. It was a true honor to officiate the wedding of two distinguished naval officers who are rendering excellent service to our nation. Getting to know you both has been a blessing in my life. Thank you again. Stephen
Renea Luciano
· Married on 08/31/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Amazing experience
When I found Stephen on weddingwire, I knew I made the right decision of picking him to officiate our wedding. He was such an amazing person. Our wedding was perfect because of him. I would love to recommend him to all my friends. He's the best.
Sent on 11/01/2019
Rev. Stephen Stahley's reply:
Renea & Irwin, My thanks for your thoughtfulness in sharing this lovely review. Getting to know you over the past year and learning the story of your relationship was a real source of inspiration to me. And that wonderful gift you gave me--I continue to use it every day! Thanks for your kindness. Stephen
